Riverside offers more than the typical river cruise experience; it elevates it. The difference isn't loud or ostentatious; it's thoughtful, seamless, and carefully considered.
When Crystal River Cruises disappeared during the pandemic, many travelers lamented the loss of one of Europe's most elegant cruise lines. But in 2023, the German Seaside Collection, a luxury hotel group with a presence in Germany, the Canary Islands, and the Maldives, decided to revive that legacy. This is one of the many forays by hotel groups into the cruise industry we're currently witnessing, although in this case the move makes more sense, as river cruising offers much more in line with hotel services. And so Riverside Luxury Cruises was born, acquiring several of Crystal's former ships, including the Riverside Ravel, and retaining much of its highly experienced crew.
Riverside Luxury Cruises operates five luxury ships on European rivers. The Riverside Mozart on the Danube, wider than average and ideal for those seeking spaciousness and comfort; the Riverside Ravel, the star of this experience, combining modern elegance and inviting design as it sails the Rhône; the Riverside Debussy on the Rhine; and the Riverside Bach and Riverside Mahler, currently available for charter.
We traveled from Avignon to Lyon on the Riverside Ravel, and of course, the journey began with exquisite service and a welcome glass of champagne. The feeling was immediate: understated luxury, genuine hospitality, and a design that perfectly balances modernity and warmth.
Built in 2018, the ship maintains the hallmark of the former Crystal fleet, with elegant interiors, premium materials, and an atmosphere of absolute serenity. The public areas, such as the bright Palm Court Lounge with its glass roof or the Sun Deck with its retractable bar, are true havens of pleasure.
The suites are meticulously designed. The Melody Suite, for example, offers 18 square meters of comfort with a king-size bed, gold accents, and panoramic windows that open electronically to the river. Each cabin features a Julius Meinl coffee machine, a personalized minibar, Starlink Wi-Fi, a spacious dressing room, and a dream bathroom with heated floors.
Fine dining in the heart of the Rhône.
The culinary offerings are undoubtedly one of Riverside's greatest attractions. In the main restaurant, Waterside, the menus rival those of a Michelin-starred establishment. Foie gras, truffles, seafood, and local cheeses like Reblochon and Pont-l'Évêque are all accompanied by carefully selected wines from the region, from Bordeaux to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, under the supervision of the head sommelier, and with an unexpected attention to detail in the plating. The presentation and quality of the meticulously curated buffet service alone tell you a lot about the experience you're in for.
For those seeking an exclusive experience, the Vintage Room offers a private dinner for ten guests, featuring premium wine pairings and a seven-course menu. During the voyage, outdoor barbecues are also organized on the Sun Deck, along with mixology classes for passengers, reinforcing the feeling of being on a floating resort.
Relaxed Luxury:
Riverside embraces a less formal approach to luxury. There are no formal evenings, and the atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed. It's understandable that most guests come from North America, as is typical with high-end resorts, drawn by Europe, European style, and personalized service. However, Riverside is attracting clients from many other places, including Spaniards, who crave a luxurious yet understated ambiance and exceptional dining.
The service maintains an exceptionally high standard. Many crew members come from Crystal and retain that philosophy of intuitive, highly personalized hospitality, but it's important to remember that hospitality is in Riverside's DNA.
The excursions, included in the most comprehensive rates, combine cultural visits, such as the Palace of the Popes in Avignon or an evening stroll through Viviers, with gourmet experiences such as a demonstration of “truffle hunting”.
Riverside Luxury Cruises is presenting a more contemporary product where every detail is designed to dazzle and comfort. Their offering combines high-end cuisine, elite service, and timeless European style.
For lovers of quiet luxury, subtle details, good wine and gastronomy, and understated elegance, sailing with Riverside is rediscovering the art of traveling on the rivers of Europe.
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